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Goods In Transit Insurance

Goods In Transit and Public Liability Insurance

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Goods In Transit Insurance


If you or your business delivers goods regularly from one location to another then goods in transit insurance (GIT) may be the right cover for you. Transporting goods and valuables regularly isn’t without risk. Goods in transport insurance covers you against damage, theft and loss of property while in transit – ideal for removal services and haulage companies.

What is goods in transit insurance?

Goods in transit insurance is designed to protect you and your customer’s goods whilst they are out for delivery. Loss or damage of goods on their way to the customer is always a risk for couriers, so having the right cover is important. GIT insurance can offer you coverage against the potential costs of loss or damage of goods.

  • Goods-in-transit insurance is different to standard truck or van insurance and will not cover you against injury or vehicle damage.
  • Some comprehensive goods in transit insurance policies may also include public liability insurance as part of their cover.

How much is goods in transit insurance?

The cost of goods in transit insurance will vary depending on the type of goods being transported and the individual insurer. Other factors such as driver history and the type of business will also influence the cost of GIT insurance. Getting quotes from insurance providers is the best way of seeing how much you will pay for GIT insurance that is specific to your needs.

How much is goods in transit insurance?

If you offer a courier or haulage service then having goods in transit insurance is important – it can help protect your business against potentially serious costs for damaged or lost goods while they are in transit. Even if you are not a business offering these services, you may still benefit from having goods in transit insurance. Here are some examples of when goods in transit insurance may be needed:

Do I need goods in transit insurance?

If you offer a courier or haulage service then having goods in transit insurance is important – it can help protect your business against potentially serious costs for damaged or lost goods while they are in transit. Even if you are not a business offering these services, you may still benefit from having goods in transit insurance. Here are some examples of when goods in transit insurance may be needed:

Courier or delivery service

If you operate a courier or delivery service, then having goods in transit insurance to protect your customer’s goods is strongly recommended.

Businesses that move their own goods

For example, businesses moving premises can take out goods in transit cover to insure their office belongings during transit if the courier service does not have adequate cover already in place.

Hiring removal companies

While many delivery services will have their own goods in transit insurance to cover your goods – these policies may not cover the full value of your goods. Taking out your own goods in transit insurance can get you the cover you need.

Transporting private goods

If you are transporting your own personal valuables such as artworks, antiques and TVs – you may wish to take out temporary goods in transit insurance.

Is goods in transit insurance a legal requirement?

It is not a legal requirement to have goods in transit insurance – but is strongly recommended. Some customers may insist that their goods be covered by your service in the event of damage or loss. When customer goods and valuables are in your possession, you are liable for any damages or loss that occurs when they are in transit. You may also face additional consequential costs if clients need to halt their business as a result of damaged or missing goods.

What is covered by goods in transit insurance?

Goods in transit insurance covers goods under the ‘custody and control’ of the delivery service. Delivery goods will be insured against damage, loss and theft while they are in transit to the customer. Some insurers may also cover you against damage due to weather damage, infestation and accidental damage during the loading and unloading of goods. The scope of cover can vary between insurers so be sure to check your policy details.

Theft of goods

Delivery services and haulage trucks are tempting targets for theft. Thieves know that these services carry valuable goods and so are more vulnerable to theft than other motorists. Goods in transit insurance will offer cover for stolen items provided appropriate precautions are taken against theft.

Traffic accident damage

If you are involved in a traffic accident while in transit and your goods are damaged or destroyed – you’ll be covered for the loss under goods in transit insurance.

loss of goods in transit

If goods are lost in transit either due to theft or becoming unsecured – goods in transit insurance will cover you provided reasonable precautions are taken.


*Remember – check your policy details to confirm what your insurance will cover you against.


What is excluded from goods in transit insurance?

As with all types of insurance coverage, goods in transit insurance has some exclusions to be aware of.

  • Dangerous goods – Livestock, money, explosives and hazardous chemicals, biological samples and high theft-risk goods are all typically excluded unless specifically agreed with the insurer. Specialist insurers may be needed to cover such goods.
  • Negligence – If the goods in your care are damaged or stolen due to negligence such as unattended vehicles, unsecured goods, insufficient security etc.. then your claim will likely be rejected.
  • Confiscation by authorities – If goods are seized in transit by police or other relevant authorities – then insurers will typically not cover these items.
  • Driving under the influence – Couriers operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol will not be covered should you need to make a claim.

What level of cover do I need?

The level of cover that you’ll require will depend on the type of goods you are carrying and any contractual agreements and international rules your service may be impacted by. Determining what you will be liable for with the client in the event of damage or loss of goods in transit is crucial for choosing the right coverage. The types of contractual conditions include:

  •  Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road– If you transport goods internationally by road, you will need to have insurance which covers listed liabilities by the UN’s CRM convention.
  • RHA Conditions of carriage – This is a good starting point for negotiations over liability for the transit of goods in the UK between hauliers and customers. For further information on RHA conditions of carriage, you can consult their official website.
  • Individually negotiated contracts – You may wish to directly negotiate with your clients regarding the level of cover needed for their goods while in transit.
When deciding on the level of goods in transit cover you need – consider the following:

Goods to be delivered

The delivery of sensitive documents and valuables may require a completely different cover to furniture or industrial equipment. Confirming this with your insurer is essential to getting the right cover.

Employment type

If you are self-employed then negotiating the required level of cover for customer goods directly with clients is essential. Using RHA conditions of carriage as a reference point for negotiation can be useful.

Where you deliver

International collection and delivery will influence the level of cover needed.

How to get cheap goods in transit insurance

The cost of goods in transit insurance will be influenced by a number of factors including the type of goods you’re transporting, the distance of transit and driver history. There are some steps that can be taken to effectively reduce your premiums.

Accurate value of goods

By overestimating the value of goods to be carried you can end up overpaying on your insurance coverage. Be as accurate as possible when assessing the value of goods to be moved.

Consider black box insurance

Some insurers will offer discounts on drivers with telematics insurance if their driving is good.

Invest in increased security

By investing in immobilisers, dashcams, trackers and door locks, you can reduce the risk of theft to your van.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between courier insurance and goods in transit insurance?

Having courier insurance will cover you against vehicle damage and any injuries suffered on the job – depending on your level of coverage. It will at a minimum provide you with third-party cover so you can legally work as a courier on UK roads. In contrast, GIT insurance is designed to insure the value of the goods you’re carrying while they are in transit and not your vehicle or third parties. Some comprehensive courier insurance policies will include goods in transit as part of their coverage, but these may not always cover the full value of goods. Taking out a separate goods in transit policy can give you the extra cover you need.

Does goods in transit insurance include public liability insurance?

GIT insurance is primarily designed to just cover the contents of your vehicle while they are in transit. Some GIT insurance policies will include cover against public liability costs, such as injury to members of the public or third-party damage. Check your policy details to confirm if you already have public liability coverage included in your GIT insurance.

Do I need goods in transit insurance for moving homes?

If you are using a removal service then check the level of goods in transit cover they have is adequate to insure your belongings. The removal company should share details of their insurance policy so you can confirm the level of cover is right for your goods. Your current home contents insurance may also have “household removals cover” so be sure to check your policy details. If you plan on moving your household items by yourself you can also take out temporary goods in transit insurance.

Does goods in transport insurance cover goods outside the UK?

If you are transporting goods by road to Europe, you may be covered by your goods in transit insurance. Always check your policy details to confirm. If you are sending goods beyond Europe then you may need to organise international shipping coverage instead.

Does goods in transit insurance cover goods in storage?

Typically no – standard GIT insurance is designed to insure goods whilst they are in transit only. Some policies may cover the loading and unloading of goods while in transit but this can vary between insurers. Check you policy details for confirmation on your coverage.

Does GIT insurance cover goods left in a vehicle overnight?

Some GIT policies may cover you for goods left in a delivery vehicle overnight provided it is parked in a secure location and locked. Check your policy details for further information.

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